Oh Mr. Morning, We Meet Again

While I hate for you to love mornings so much :) I feel your pain...between the 4 and 9 year old boys that live in my house every morning is a crap shoot! Afternoons follow a close second. I wake up and say a quick prayer for peace each morning. Sometimes it works and sometimes it doesn't! Maybe i need to write your quote down because it is outstanding! Thanks!

Ali-
Wow it is amazing how we seem to be at the same stages, but my daughter is a year younger. Yesterday I felt like I was a icky mom! Every time I turned around I had to remind her to do something and the only thing that seemed important was anything else. So I am glad that I am not the only one with "normal" days. Thank you once again!!

Thank you, Ali, for being a constant inspiration to embrace the "normal". And thank you for sharing that quote. It helped me break though a little funk I've been in lately. There is so much to be grateful for--all we have to do is look. I posted this quote on my blog too, in hopes of inspiring someone else.

My son goes to preschool 2 mornings a week, and the transition from home to school is rough. He tells me he doesn't want to go, then that he doesn't feel well so he won't have to go. But once he's there, he loves it. i just try to stay positive and firm and keep the routine, because all too soon, he won't want to hang with me all day like he does now. Thanks for your insights!

Your post today spoke to me. I so sympathize with you right now. My autistic son's phrase is "But I'm so tired!" However, I had a realization recently when I learned his favorite part of the school day is lunch--then he gets to choose anything he wants and has total control. He's getting along well, like Simon, but it's stressful for him to do what others want him to do with no choice for him. So as much as he likes school, it's also taxing. I don't know Simon, but I wonder if he goes through the same feelings. I'll pray for you.

Totally agree on the 'not normal day' part this week....ugh...I think I'll need to borrow that quote :)

I love the quote that you shared about normal days. A speaker at Chapel a couple of weeks ago shared this sentiment during a prayer - "thank you for this day that we have never lived before and shall never live again" - and I loved it! It was a beautiful reminder to me that no matter how frustrating or challenging my day might be, I will never have the opportunity to live it again.
Have a wonderful weekend! =)

I love that quote too. One of my dearest friends passed away last week from complications with leukemia. That quote has been a nice reminder that those of us she left behind need to keep living and to live well and joyfully. I hope your mornings and afternoons get better. I could send you my Mr. Enthusiasm which=I love school so much I act like an uncivilized person at the mere mention of it! He's just as frustrating as the No School boy.

... and knowing that we are not 'assessed' on each day. That how well we have managed situations is not being graded, that we won't remember our performance as parents when we look back, but each day we are practicing just living and loving. We don't have to get it right.
My son is not on the spectrum but he has lots of 'no school' days. So each term I have at least one day to do something special at home with him (and my other two). Mental Health is more important that the academic for me. I want them to feel like they have everything they need within their grasp to tackle what is in their hands at the moment (whether its the capacity to ask for help, or enough peace not to stress)
Ali, you always encourage me creatively and personally to just take a breath and enjoy the moment. Thank you!

I totally forgot about Our Town - thank you for bringing that up Nikki.

I am sorry for the loss of your friend Heather - peace to you and your family and friends.

Thank you Jennifer.

Since the second week of school, every morning has been a challenge with my 7 year old. He has one complaint or another about how he's feeling. sore throat, tummy hurts, even a loose tooth was his attempt at staying home. He doesn't enjoy going to school because "I will miss you." and "i'm bored". I feel bad because he is a momma's boy and he does miss me I'm sure. but I keep telling him he has to go to school. It's emotionally draining to go through the same thing every single morning. I work evenings so it's particularly hard on those days for him. He sees me before going to the bus stop and then not until the next morning. He wears his heart on his sleeve and I feel like I am torturing him when I send him off. :-( So it's good to read that my child is not the only one who does not enjoy going to school some days. (I loved school up until middle school, so it's hard for me to imagine not liking it!)

You know what's funny? Noah gets this way every spring. Terrible time getting him on the bus, very resistant to school. He's okay at this time of year, but watch out spring!
Hang in there - it'll change for the better.
from one ASD momma to another,
Rebecca, mom of Noah, 7.5, Seattle

maybe it's the weather and season change that brings this all on.....

Good morning Ali! At least I hope it will be! For your son and the school issue...check out www.flylady.com and the student control journal. My goddaugter loves it and its working well. While he might be too old for the House Fairy, some "surprises" left anonymously every now then can be great incentive. It's all free-and there's nothing to loose-just smoother (school) sailing to gain...Blessings, Sharon

the newness of back to school is wearing off is my guess!
I really don't get the homework for young kids, except for preparing talks on a subject I could choose myself from age 8 and onward a few times a year I never had homework before I was 11 and was able to bring up the disciplin to make it on my own. school was school and home meant free time!

I wish I had some of your skills at managing the mood swings of a child when my daughter was Simons age. (Autism aside.) At conferences Megans teachers just praised her. She helped with everything and everyone with a smeile! I always wondered who the teacher sent home to me...she would become a basket case at 3:00pm....tears and couldn't explain what was wrong. You are doing wonderful! We all need to take a deep breath once in a while and really appreciate the 'normal days'!!

Superb quote Ali! Adding to my stash :D
Having watchd NieNie on Oprah this week, it IS humbling to experience the normal day..
As for Simon...He sounds just like my Ella...she's not a fan of school either.
And the weather? Luke's Daycare provider swears by what she calls the *Biometric Change* i.e. the effects of distinct weather changes on our childre, particularly those who are more sensitive than others. She sees behavioural changes in all the children during these time. Interesting stuff! Have a great weekend :)

Ali, today's post touched my heart. It is easy to see that you are an amazing mom, and I'm guessing a good part of that comes from your own mom. From what you share with us, you are both amazing women. Thanks so much for sharing "normal day". At this point in my life, I so needed that. Good luck with Simon; I'm sure that with your gentle nature, family support, and clear thinking, you will navigate through this soon. Have a great weekend,Deb